May10, 2016

Mr. Speaker, as we honor police week, I rise in support of another common sense bill that would benefit the men and women who serve our nation in federal law enforcement.

The Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act is a simple bill, it allows a federal law enforcement officer to carry their government issued firearm during a furlough in the same way that they could carry their weapon if there was no furlough.

The risks that federal law enforcement officials face are the same whether or not they are on furlough or not. Some federal law enforcement officials have even been specifically targeted because of their positions.

These brave men and women should not be put in jeopardy due to a budget shortfall or an inability to pass a budget. The risks they face are the same, they have the right to defend themselves. I thank Rep. COLLINS for bringing this bill forward, and I urge your support today.